B&K Precision BCS6401 – Two Channel DC Power Supply and Battery Charger/Simulator

• Two channel battery charger/simulator and precision DC power supply
• Source/sink capabilities, bipolar output, and variable output impedance to charge, discharge, or simulate batteries
• Channel 1: ± 15V, 3A (high); ± 9V, 5A (low)
• Channel 2: 0-15V, 3A (high); 0-9V, 5A (low)
• 45W per channel, up to 90W combined

The BCS6401 and BCS6402 battery charger/simulator and precision DC power supplies are optimized for testing batteries and battery-operated devices. Both models feature source/sink capabilities, a bipolar output, and variable output impedance to charge, discharge, or simulate batteries used in portable and wearable electronic devices.

The BCS Series features two main operating modes: Source and Battery. In source mode, the instrument operates as a conventional DC power supply, whereas battery mode provides battery charge, discharge, and simulation capabilities. These two operating modes are enhanced with additional features including list programming for generating test sequences, graphical data logging, and math functions.

The BCS6401 is well suited for charging batteries and features a configurable output-off state to prevent drain of connected batteries when charging is complete. Setting the output-off state to Relay off internally disconnects the power supply output using a built-in relay which provides an isolation impedance > 1 GΩ. Other output-off states include high impedance, normal, and zero.

Set a variety of battery charge parameters and stop conditions to protect the power supply and the battery.

Charge stop conditions:

• Voltage shut off
• Current shut off
• Capacity shut off (mAh)

Charge parameters:

• Charge voltage limit (Vset)
• Charge current limit (Iset)

In battery discharge mode, the BCS6401 acts as a load to discharge batteries typically found in portable electronic devices.

• Set discharge voltage and discharge current
• Battery capacity is monitored and displayed during the discharge test

Rather than having to rely on the uncertainty and variables of a physical battery, the BCS Series can simulate the output of a physical battery where internal resistance (IR) can be adjusted. This feature is especially useful for testing battery powered devices at various combinations of battery charge states, voltages, and internal resistance levels. Having control over these battery parameters offers repeatable results and allows users to jump directly to different battery charge states and conditions.

Both models are capable of sourcing power or sinking power in battery simulation mode.

Sink up to 5 A of current continuously and power up to 45 W per channel using the BCS6401 or up to 150 W with the BCS6402.

Battery simulation is based on a set of user-defined battery characteristic steps including capacity (mAh), voltage (V), and resistance (Ω).

• Create and edit simulation profiles from the front panel
• Save/recall a maximum of 20 battery simulation profiles with up to 40 steps each

Using the Source function, the BCS Series operates as a precision DC power supply with low noise characteristics and adjustable output impedance. Display and monitor up to 12 parameters simultaneously including current at up to 100 nA resolution and secondary voltage measurements using the rear panel DVM.

Other measurement parameters include min/max voltage and current, Vrms/Irms, and power. The source function also enables quick output of negative voltages down to -15 V using the BCS6401 or to -30 V with the BCS6402.

Combine both channels of the BCS6401 in series to increase the output voltage to 30 V and rated power output to 90 W.

USB host

Power button

4.3” TFT screen

Multi-type output terminals

Numeric keypad, directional keys, and rotary control knob

LAN interface

USB interface

System I/O terminal

AC input

Output terminals, remote sense and DVM